53.2 Conemaugh Line Leechburg - Hyde

The Conemaugh Line at Leechburg, PA confronts severe curvature and worse at Hyde, PA. Shown is suggested realignment capable of 110 mph. The original curve built at Hyde, PA is a tight 7 degree curve requiring a 30 mph speed. As the line was built in 1865, it logically followed the Conemaugh River as a path of least resistance. There is only so much that could be done with manpower, horsepower and blasting powder. In 1865 the Pennsylvania Canal was on the north side of the Conemaugh River so the railroad followed the south side of the River.The existing line is in yellow and the proposed new alignment is in blue. CL indicates milepost designations on the Conemaugh Line.